A survey of items at all seven Wisconsin locations this week showed more than five percent of items rang up higher than the advertised price. In our area, 75 items were checked, and six came up at the cash register higher than the advertised price. The highest overcharge in the state was an item that rang up $314.44 more than the advertised price at American’s location on Casaloma Dr. in Grand Chute.

In a statement, American said, “The vast majority of the ‘Checkout Errors’ claimed by DATCAP were on unboxed items from our Closeout and Demo centers where we were offering the item for less than the same item in a box. We informed the state investigators of that fact. Our process for selling Clearance and Demo center items has always included a markdown at the register, and we feel confident that consumers will pay the price as tagged.

“American TV certainly agrees that consumers should be vigilant, as we want the consumer to get exactly what they expect at the advertised price.”

Consumer protection officials recommend shoppers take items’ stickers or tags along to the cash register, compare the prices to the prices that ring up at the register and ask questions before they pay.

Madison-based American announced plans to go out of business Feb. 17, citing five years of an “unforgiving” economy. The going-out-of-business sale began last Thursday at its 11 stores in three states.